FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Fayetteville State women's team secured an 80-57 victory over the Florida Southern Moccasins at home on Friday.
The Broncos, now holding a 4-3 record, were led by standout performances from Talia Trotter, who scored 15 points and dished out four assists, and KaNyah O'Neal, who contributed 13 points and two steals off the bench. Keayna McLaughlin also made a significant impact with 12 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
The game was marked by Fayetteville State's excellent ball movement, as they accumulated 19 assists on 29 made field goals. Their defensive efforts were equally impressive, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 18 points. McLaughlin's two steals were a highlight of the Broncos' defensive play.
The Broncos started strong, overcoming an early 6-4 deficit with an 11-0 run, taking a 15-6 lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were up 23-13, thanks to their dominance in the paint. They continued to build on this momentum in the second quarter, extending their lead to 47-22 by halftime. The third quarter saw Fayetteville State maintaining their advantage, leading 68-49 going into the final period. They sealed the victory by outscoring the Moccasins 12-8 in the fourth quarter, with a significant portion of their points coming from inside the paint.
Coach Tyreece Brown praised the team's efficiency and cohesion, stating, "We found our identity. We found it the last game, just to get out and run. Our younger ones are stepping up and the older ones are continuing to lead." This blend of youthful energy and veteran leadership was evident throughout the game, setting a promising tone for the rest of the season.
On the other side, the Florida Southern Moccasins, now with a 3-3 record, had notable performances from Sydney Gomes and Lily Randgaard, each scoring 13 points. Despite their efforts, the Moccasins struggled against the Broncos' relentless defense and efficient offense.
The Broncos will travel to Florence, SC to compete against Francis Marion on Monday, December 2nd at 5:30 pm. Game links can be found on fsubroncos.com/gameday.
